What does osteotomy treat?

A surgeon may consider osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis when uneven leg alignment places extra load on one side of the knee. It can also be used for bow legs or knock knees, and for some hip-shape problems such as hip dysplasia. In selected children and young people, it may form part of treatment for Perthes disease. Around the hip, an osteotomy may be discussed in carefully selected cases of avascular necrosis to change how forces pass through the joint. Suitability depends on bone shape, joint condition, age, activity, and symptoms.

Assessment usually includes a physical examination and standing or joint-specific X-rays; other scans may be needed to understand the bone and cartilage. The surgeon plans the correction, chooses the bone to reshape, and explains how it will be fixed. Plates and screws may hold the bone while it heals. Recovery commonly includes protected weight-bearing or movement followed by physiotherapy, with progress guided by healing and strength.

Ask for an orthopaedic assessment if pain, a visible alignment change, or difficulty walking limits daily activities despite non-surgical care. After an osteotomy, contact the surgical team promptly for worsening pain, increasing redness or drainage, fever, new numbness, a cold foot or hand, or swelling that suddenly increases. Follow the specific weight-bearing instructions given after surgery.

Ask what alignment problem the operation would correct, which joint surfaces would be protected, and what alternatives are available. Discuss the planned bone cut, fixation, expected restrictions, physiotherapy milestones, and how healing will be checked before activity increases.